West Palm police officer on leave after April arrest for DUI

Officer James Louis, 28, was arrested the night of April 17 after he was found impaired behind the wheel of vehicle with his foot on the brake at Quadrille Avenue at Hibiscus Street, according to West Palm Beach arrest report. On the night of his arrest, Louis had glassy eyes, the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage and he stumbled after stepping out of his vehicle, the report said.

He reportedly told officers he was on his way home from E.R. Bradley’s Saloon on Clematis Street. Louis refused to submit to roadside sobriety tests, and also declined to take a breathalyzer test, according to the arrest report.

He was not on duty at the time of his arrest, a West Palm Beach police spokeswoman said Wednesday night. Louis was placed on administrative duty, which is customary during an active criminal investigation, the spokeswoman said.

It was not clear late Wednesday how long Louis has been with the department. According to court records, he pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge. The case is scheduled for a status check in October.